German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after German-Italian government consultations in Rome, emphasized the will for closer cooperation between the two countries.

Germany and Italy are for a "committed migration policy" as well as bringing a "new impetus" to the economy, Merz said at a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

He also said that a "new dynamic" is aimed at the cooperation between the two countries' arms industries. Merz praised the partnership between Italy and Germany. "We were able to conclude that Germany and Italy in 2026 are as close as never before in our common history."

"There is a very high degree of compatibility between Germany and Italy in assessing the challenges we face together."

"Even more ambitious goals"

Meloni stressed that Germany and Italy have set themselves "even more ambitious goals." Regarding the common defense policy, referring to the US government under President Donald Trump, Meloni said that Merz and she are of the same opinion that European countries should not ask "what others can do for us, but what we can do."

Merz previously explained on Platform X that Germany and Italy are "closer than ever before" and working "for a united Europe and a strong NATO."

"No hierarchy"

Merz does not see the partnership with Italy as a competition to German-French relations. "For Germany, there is no hierarchy in relations," the chancellor stressed.

"We are happy for every country with which we have such close partnership relations, as with France and Italy. We know that only together can we walk the path to this European Union."

There has been speculation in recent days that Merz may prioritize cooperation with Italy's right-wing prime minister over French President Emmanuel Macron in the future. Recently, there have been differing positions between Berlin and Paris on various issues.

The two countries have been closely linked since 1963 through the Franco-German Friendship Treaty. These two countries are also considered the "engine" within the EU. /DW/